Southwest Florida reacts to the state’s controversial abortion bill

A Florida abortion bill is inching closer to becoming a law. The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee approved the legislation that would ban abortions after 15 weeks.

The bill is causing an uproar in communities across the state who oppose its passage. It’s unpopular even with women in Southwest Florida. They say the exclusions are even too constricting for those who have to make a life-altering decision.

15 weeks is a little more than three months to decide on getting an abortion if a Florida Senate bill becomes law.

One woman spoke to WINK News, and while she didn’t want to be identified, she does want to remind lawmakers – abortion is supposed to be a choice. “If you have like an option to do it, somebody shouldn’t take that option away from you because it’s a choice,” she said.

The committee is moving the bill along without exclusions for rape, incest, or human trafficking. The only exclusions this bill allows for are a threat to the mother’s life, if the mother would lose major bodily function or if there is a fetal abnormality. And that abnormality has to be approved by two doctors.

Florida Senate Appropriations Committee approves bill to ban abortion after 15 weeks

Ky says thinking about the circumstances surrounding pregnancy are essential. “Not everyone wants to carry a baby for nine months, and especially if it happens by mistake or happens by force. And I feel like they shouldn’t have to keep it,” said Ky.

Multiple women who spoke to WINK News in downtown Fort Myers said they are against this Senate bill. “It’s another way to constrict women of their rights,” Ky said.

“I just feel like they shouldn’t do it. It’s your choice,” said another woman.

But some lawmakers say otherwise. “We can do more, this is a great step, it’s a step in a great direction, but much more can be done.”

“I can stand in support of the 62 million babies that have been murdered in my short lifetime that we’re created in the image of God,” one Senator said.

The abortion bill would still need to be voted on by the full Senate before sending it to the Governor’s desk for his approval. If Governor Ron DeSantis signs the bill into law, that law will go into effect on Jul. 1.